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An Ondo State-based pastor, Olabanjo Felix, who renounced Christianity and embraced Isese, an indigenous Yoruba spiritual tradition, has explained that the “deceit in Christianity” prompted him to abandon the faith to become an Ifa priest.

Felix, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, alleged that there was “no true pastor of the Bible in Nigeria”, adding that many pastors in the country had turned Christianity into personal and family businesses.

He said he became fed up with Christianity and what he described as the brainwashing of Christians by some pastors.

Felix, who previously founded the Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministries in Ibaka, Oka Akoko area of the state, renounced Christianity and declared his allegiance to Isese in a video which went viral on Thursday.

Announcing his transition from Christian ministry to Ifá practice, the former cleric also revealed his new spiritual identity.

“I’m now Ifawamiri Aworanolodumare, Babalawo of Ifá,” he declared in the video.

Felix expressed gratitude to his new spiritual mentor, the Araba of Isara-Remo, Olusegun Aifuwape, and his spiritual sons for guiding him.

He maintained that he publicly announced his decision to stop people from continuing to address him as a pastor even after he had stopped practising Christianity.

“I did that video to announce to the world that I’m no longer a pastor because people kept addressing me as pastor, but I cannot continue to accept that. I don’t support deceit, so people have to know that I’m now an Ifa adherent,” he said.

Felix, who said he was a pastor for more than three years, noted that his decision followed a two-year “soul-searching journey” during which he became increasingly disturbed by what he described as contradictions in the Bible and deception among some Christian leaders.

According to him, his decision was not sudden, noting that he consulted several pastors in an attempt to examine his convictions before eventually leaving Christianity.

He said, “I became fed up of Christianity because there is no true pastor of the Bible in Nigeria aside from Pastor Gbile Akanni. I’m a Bible student and I understand the Bible very well, but I was arrested by Ifa. I did not just change my religion overnight.

“I changed from Christianity to Ifa worshipping two years ago when I was on a soul-searching journey. I was very disturbed with the confusion in the Bible and the deceit in Christianity. Before taking my decision, I tried consulting with other pastors to check myself because I thought maybe I was not truly born again, but I still could not continue with Christianity even with their attempts to change my mind.”

Felix also disclosed that he considered converting to Islam before eventually settling on Ifa.

“I even tried converting to Islam because I consulted a cleric who advised me to go and study the Quran. I downloaded the Yoruba version of the Quran and I read, but I discovered that it is the same deceit.

“After this, I made up my mind to learn Ifa and become an Ifa priest and I started looking for genuine Ifa priests to mentor and lead me. My conviction was further rooted in the potency of herbs and roots,” Felix added.

According to him, his conviction was strengthened by his experience with herbs and roots, which he said contributed to his decision to embrace traditional Yoruba practice.

Felix said he eventually found the Araba of Isararemọ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji Aifuwapẹ, on Facebook and contacted him about his intention to learn Ifa.

He dismissed the perception that traditional religion was fetish, insisting that his practice of Ifa was centred on prayers, supplications and the use of herbs and roots, rather than fetish activities.

“I found Araba of Isararemọ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji Aifuwapẹ on Facebook and I told him of my intention to learn Ifa. And since I joined him, I have never engaged in any fetish act. We have only been praying and doing supplications,” he said.

Felix added that foreigners from different parts of the world visit the centre to learn about Ifa.

The former pastor further alleged that some Christian clerics secretly consult Ifa practitioners for divination despite publicly condemning traditional religious practices.

“There is too much deceit in Christianity. The so-called men of God have used the religion to brainwash a lot of people. I cannot count the number of pastors that contact us for Ifa divination.

“But I cannot do that, and that is why I came out openly to renounce Christianity and declared my allegiance to Ifa,” he said.

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Residents of Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State have held another round of peace talks with bandits terrorising communities in the area, with wanted bandit kingpin, Ado Aleru, reportedly attending the latest parley.

The development has renewed attention on the controversial use of dialogue and peace negotiations as part of efforts to end banditry in parts of Katsina State.

Security analyst and journalist, Bakastine, disclosed the development, noting that Aleru was among those present at the peace meeting.

In a video from the meeting, Aleru reportedly explained why previous peace efforts between communities and bandits had repeatedly failed to produce lasting peace.

His participation is particularly significant given his status as a wanted bandit kingpin and his alleged involvement in criminal activities across parts of northwestern Nigeria

The latest meeting also comes days after reports that Aleru suffered a major setback following a military encounter in Doma village, Katsina State, in which his son, eight other members of his family and about 30 motorcycles belonging to his network were reportedly lost.

Earlier in August 2026, SaharaReporters reported that Aleru had suffered the losses during the encounter.

Intelligence obtained by counter-insurgency expert and security analyst Zagazola Makama indicated that the casualties and loss of motorcycles had significantly weakened the operational strength and mobility of Aleru’s criminal network.

According to an intelligence report dated August 9, none of the estimated 30 motorcycles deployed by the syndicate during the encounter reportedly returned, with their riders said to have been neutralised.

The report also stated that Aleru’s son and eight other members of his family were killed during the encounter.

Despite the reported setback, Aleru’s appearance at the latest peace meeting suggests that dialogue with armed groups remains an ongoing strategy in some communities affected by banditry.

However, his participation has also raised questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of previous peace agreements involving bandit groups.

This is not the first time Aleru has publicly appeared at a peace meeting involving communities and government representatives.

In June 2025, the notorious bandit kingpin, who remained on the wanted list of Nigerian security forces, reportedly surfaced publicly at a peace meeting in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The meeting was aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence between Fulani herders and other communities and was attended by personnel of the Nigerian Army, community leaders and several bandit groups, including Aleru’s faction.

Aleru was reportedly seen participating actively in the discussions and addressing the gathering.

Reports from the meeting said Aleru spoke about measures to be adopted by Fulani communities and other groups to promote peaceful coexistence.

However, despite his participation in such peace initiatives, allegations of renewed attacks linked to his network have continued to raise doubts over whether such agreements can guarantee lasting security.

The latest peace meeting in Kankara therefore comes against the backdrop of years of bandit attacks, killings, kidnappings and displacement affecting communities across Katsina and other states in the North-West.

Aleru has also previously attracted controversy after being conferred with a traditional title in Zamfara State during the administration of former Governor Bello Matawalle, who is currently the Minister of State for Defence.

His reported participation in peace meetings despite being wanted by security forces has continued to generate debate over the government’s and communities’ approach to negotiating with armed groups.

While proponents of dialogue argue that negotiations can help reduce attacks and create avenues for communities to return to normal life, critics have warned that agreements with armed groups may collapse if they are not backed by effective enforcement, disarmament and sustained security operations.

The explanation reportedly offered by Aleru at the Kankara meeting on why previous peace efforts failed is therefore expected to attract further scrutiny as residents and authorities seek a lasting solution to banditry in the area.

The latest development also highlights the complex security situation confronting communities in Katsina, where residents are caught between the need to negotiate for immediate safety and the broader demand for sustained security operations against armed criminal groups.

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On Saturday, a distinguished assembly of political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, and community dignitaries gathered in Akugbene Town, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, to pay their final respects to the late Prince Isaac Firimokumo Penawou, who passed away at the age of 104. Among the mourners were former President Goodluck Jonathan, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, and former Delta State Governor Chief James Ibori. The funeral service served as a poignant reminder of the profound impact Prince Penawou had on his family, community, and generations of associates.

The funeral ceremony drew an impressive turnout, reflecting the deep respect and admiration held for the late prince. His son, Prince Kelly Penawou, serves as the Delta State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, while his other son, Chief Joseph Penawou, holds the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Marine Engineering Services Limited. The attendance of high-profile dignitaries underscored the Penawou family’s long-standing influence in the region, as well as the extensive networks cultivated by Prince Penawou and his descendants over decades.

The memorial service was attended by a cross-section of Nigeria’s political and social elite, each representing their respective roles in honoring the late prince’s legacy. Among the prominent figures present were:

Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro; Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; Former Senator James Manager; Hon. Nicholas Mutu; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy, Mr. Tony Attah; Seplat Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Effiong Okon; Numerous other political leaders and public office holders.

The presence of these individuals highlighted the breadth of Prince Penawou’s influence, extending beyond his immediate family to encompass political, business, and community spheres. The gathering provided a platform for dignitaries, family members, and mourners to offer prayers, share condolences, and celebrate the life of a man whose journey spanned over a century.

The funeral rites were not merely a somber occasion but also a celebration of Prince Penawou’s remarkable life, marked by resilience, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to his community. Family members and dignitaries took turns to express their gratitude for having shared in his journey, reflecting on the lessons and values he imparted over his 104 years. The event served as a testament to the profound connections he forged with those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

As the funeral proceedings drew to a close, the legacy of Prince Isaac Firimokumo Penawou was firmly cemented in the annals of history. His passing marked the conclusion of a life well-lived, one that touched countless individuals and left an enduring imprint on his family, community, and beyond. The tributes paid during the service were a fitting tribute to a man whose life exemplified dedication, leadership, and an unwavering spirit that transcended generations.